COMMISSIONER STAPLES WELCOMES THE RETURN OF ‘BIG TEX’ AT STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

The Gilmer Mirror

Sep 27, 2013 | 2662 views | 0 | 9 | |

COMMISSIONER STAPLES WELCOMES THE RETURN OF ‘BIG TEX’ AT STATE FAIR OF TEXAS, ENCOURAGES FAIRGOERS TO CHECK OUT THE BEST OF THE LONE STAR STATE AT THE FOOD AND FIBER PAVILION

Great entertainment, sampling, State Fair of Texas Wine Garden among highlight attractions

DALLAS – With a big, “Ho-w-w-w-w-d-e-e-e folks,” Big Tex is ready to make his bigger and better return to the State Fair of Texas this year. Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today welcomed back the Lone Star State’s favorite cowboy and encouraged state fairgoers to celebrate the best of Texas at the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Fiber Pavilion. The Pavilion, located near the famous Cotton Bowl in the center of Fair Park,is once again packed with “Tex-ceptional” food and wine tastings, entertainment and shopping.

“The State Fair of Texas, with its cultural icon Big Tex, is the world’s perfect place to showcase all things Texan,” Commissioner Staples said. “Visitors have the opportunity to discover the abundance and diversity of Texas agriculture by visiting the Food and Fiber Pavilion. It’s also a great time to come by and discover the many outstanding products offered by our GO TEXAN members who work hard to share the best of the Lone Star State with Texas and the world. As Big Tex knows, the people and products from Texas are always top-notch.”

The Food and Fiber Pavilion, sponsored by Southwest Dairy, is a 25,000-square-foot facility showcasing Lone Star agriculture and hundreds of GO TEXAN products. GO TEXAN promotes the products, culture and communities that make the Lone Star State one-of-a-kind. The Pavilion also provides visitors with a glimpse into how agriculture impacts their daily lives through the Agriculture is Your Culture information showcased throughout the Pavilion. Just a short walk away, visitors also can stop by the renovated Big Tex Circle to visit with a newer and larger Big Tex.

“Ol’ Tex is sure glad to be back home at the state fair,” Big Tex said. “There’s nothing like the smell of corny dogs in the morning. Looking forward to seein’ everyone out at Fair Park. To make your trip complete be sure to stop on by the Food and Fiber Pavilion for a Texas experience that’s as big as Ol’ Tex.”

One of the most popular attractions in the Food and Fiber Pavilion is the GO TEXAN Pioneer Brand General Store, which features hundreds of Texas-made products. Visitors can take home a piece of Texas-made goodness through purchases made in the GO TEXAN Pioneer Brand General Store. Plus, while supplies last, visitors will receive a free GO TEXAN cookbook with any purchase made in the store.

“Texas agriculture contributes more than $100 billion to our state’s economy each year,” Commissioner Staples said. “Texas farmers and ranchers take pride in producing the products that improve the daily lives of people around the world. From toothpaste and tires to medicines and makeup, the products of Texas agriculture touch our lives in countless ways every day.”

Food and Fiber Pavilion highlights during the first week of the Fair include:

Appearances by Borden’s Elsie the Cow and Beauregard. Open daily starting at 10 a.m.